One of the easiest, straightforward methods of preparing trout requires nothing more than a plank of cedar (easily obtained at any grocery store or even the Target BBQ center and a medium heat grill. In addition, the method captures and enhances all of the flavor of the trout and does not add any oil or fat.

The technique for preparation was quite easy and the result a combination of salty, creamy, and spicy. By grilling them over a medium heat the bacon becomes crispy and the chicken perfectly done without being overcooked or dry. The other benefit of the charcoal grill is the smoky flavor that impacts all three tastes.

When I was a little girl I remember going to my maternal grandparents’ house and seeing meat being ground for sausage. I didn’t like sausage at the time and thus my focus was directed not to what was being made, but on how it was prepared. What I remember was a large, silver, wood handled, heavy tool – a shiny grinder. This fine mechanism was heavy enough that it needed to be clamped to a big white wooden stool. Most of the time I could only watch, but on occasion I’d get a turn at the handle; what a strenuous task!

Fast forward a few years (okay, quite a few). I am now the proud owner of that same heavy tool.

One of the valley taste combinations that I have come to enjoy is the BBQ-pickles-onion taste that comes when one orders a bbq brisket plate. Without fail, the condiments include hamburger dill pickles sliced thin, fresh onions often in rings sometimes diced, and tangy BBQ sauce.

The Texas BBQ taste sensation adorns this all beef wiener – the saltiness of the hot dog added to the mouth puckering tanginess. Wash it down with a cold brew and you have yourself a handheld meal.

This burger delights the blue cheese lover with tender beef, the sweetness of pickled red peppers and the full bodied flavor of the blue cheese. The preparation technique allows for a larger portion of blue cheese.

My husband sets the standard for grilling fish on the bbq. The combination of simple seasoning and indirect heat combine to form delicious, moist, fleshy fish that allows the true flavor of the salmon to shine through.

One of the key elements to the consistent successful grilling of salmon is to grill it with the skin still on. Grilled properly the flesh is removed effortlessly from the skin.

A second helpful tool for great grilled fish is a large oval fish grill basket.

There's only one thing more delicious than an olive burger and it's a juicy jalapeno and avocado burger. Ken does such a great job grilling the burgers and no matter what we top them with they are delectable.